Quick Info
Wind River is a haunting thriller set on a Wyoming Native American reservation, following a wildlife tracker and an FBI agent trying to solve the murder of a young woman. What immediately struck me was the bleak, snow-covered landscape—every shot seems to reinforce the sense of isolation and danger. It’s a slow burn, but the atmosphere pulls you right in from the very first scene.
Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olsen both give restrained but deeply emotional performances. Renner especially nails the tension of a man haunted by personal loss, and Olsen brings a lot of vulnerability to her rookie agent role. Their chemistry isn’t flashy, but it’s genuine, making you invest in their characters’ journey together.
The story sheds light on the often-overlooked plight of Indigenous communities, especially with regard to missing and murdered women. The film doesn’t preach, but it’s pretty devastating in moments—there’s an honest sadness running under the suspense. It’s not always easy to watch, but it feels very true.
If I had to nitpick, some of the supporting roles feel a bit underdeveloped, and there are moments where the movie leans a little too hard on genre clichés. Still, Taylor Sheridan’s direction keeps the pacing taut, and the cinematography makes the cold almost tangible. I found the score by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis really enhanced the mood, too.
You would enjoy this if you like taut mysteries with a strong sense of place and atmosphere—especially those with a rough edge and heartfelt character beats. It’s for fans of crime dramas who want something a little different, a bit grittier, and more soulful than the typical fare.
